Expert Q&A

AAA’s Expert Q&A Forum is completely anonymous, and personally identifying information, such as an e-mail address, is not required to submit a question.

The forum is supported by a team of traffic safety researchers, health promotion specialists, engineers, epidemiologists and other health professionals who can address a wide variety of concerns related to senior driver safety.

Our experts cannot respond immediately or individually to queries. While all questions are read, not all can be published, due to the large volume of submissions.

AAA’s Expert Q&A Forum does not offer medical advice. If you have an existing health condition or an urgent health problem, consult with a health care provider before acting on information provided here.

To get started, you can learn more about some of AAA’s experts, review our Q&A library of previously submitted questions, or submit your own question.

Recently Answered Questions

How can I find a volunteer to drive an elderly couple on doctor visits and shopping trips?

— San Diego, California

That’s a great question! There are many options for alternative transportation for adults who need assistance including carpooling, public transportation, and community-based local transportation options. Learn more about alternative transportation resources and find options in your area.

When my wife turned 65 our auto insurance premium increased because of that fact. When we inquired that was the only reason given even though we have not had any accidents or traffic violations. I remember seeing a report on TV about a AAA study done on the relationship of different age groups on accident rates. Where can I get a copy of that study.

— Houston, Texas

Your memory served you well! The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published a report in 2009 that looked at the risks that drivers of different age groups pose to other road users, as well as to themselves. Contrary to public perception, older drivers do not pose the greatest risk to other road users! You can read more about that finding and others here.

Meet the Experts

William E. Van Tassel, PhD

Dr. William E. Van Tassel is the Manager of Driver Training Programs for AAA. In this role, he coordinates the development, implementation and evaluation of AAA’s driver safety training programs. Coordinating training programs for drivers of all ages, including novice and senior drivers, he also represents the association in driving safety-related issues at the federal and international levels.

William is a member of the Transportation Research Board Committee on Operator Education and Regulation and the National Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards Core Development Team. Earning his doctorate at Texas A&M University, he has worked with the US Army Safety Center to prevent crashes among drivers serving in the Armed Forces.

Jake Nelson, MPH, MPP

Jake Nelson is the Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy & Research for AAA. In this role he directs the analysis and application of scientific research to AAA’s traffic safety activities, including programmatic offerings and advocacy at the national and state levels. Additionally, he serves as the association’s top safety expert in scientific and academic venues, with transportation stakeholder groups, and before federal agencies and Congress.

Jake is a current member of the American Public Health Association, the Society for Public Health Education and Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health. He is a Public Health Leadership Fellow alumnus and member of the National Public Health Leadership Society. Jake was an undergraduate of the University of Michigan, and completed his graduate studies in public health at the George Washington University and in public policy at the University of Chicago where he was named a McCormick Tribune Leadership Fellow.

J. Peter Kissinger, MS

J. Peter Kissinger is president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a position he assumed in May 2002. The foundation is a publicly supported, charitable research and educational organization founded by AAA in 1947. Its focus is on “saving lives through research and education.”

Prior to joining the foundation, Kissinger was senior vice president of the Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF), the research arm of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and was employed in Florida by Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation, where he was director of Strategic Programs.

Before relocating to Florida, Kissinger was employed by the National Transportation Safety Board for 12 years, serving the last eight as managing director. While there, he was influential in restructuring NTSB programs to maximize their effectiveness, increase emphasis on surface transportation and introduce enhanced safety technologies throughout the transportation system. Kissinger has a B.S. in engineering from the Coast Guard Academy and an M.S. in operations research from The George Washington University.

AAA Senior Driving

AAA is dedicated to keeping seniors driving for as long as safely possible. We also are committed to promoting viable transportation options for seniors who can no longer drive independently.

This website is intended to provide users with general information to help them better understand the traffic safety implications of certain health conditions and human behaviors. The information is not medical advice. Consult with your doctor before altering any medications or driving, or if you have specific medical questions or think you may be suffering from any medical condition. The American Automobile Association, Inc., its affiliated motor clubs, and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety assume no liability for, and make no representations or warranties — express or implied — with respect to, the information on this web site.